Ordinary Families, Special Children: A Systems Approach to Childhood Disability

by Rosalyn Benjamin Darling, Milton Seligman

This revised and updated edition, like its highly acclaimed predecessor, offers a multisystems perspective on childhood disability and its effects on family life. A comprehensive and clinically useful resource, the book integrates theory and research with personal accounts from family members to examine the many variables that shape a family's responses to childhood disability and its ability to overcome the physical, cultural, and social barriers to a satisfactory lifestyle. The book shows professionals how to apply a social and family systems-based approach to assessment and intervention with diverse families. It also describes new programs in this area, and discusses both established and emerging intervention strategies.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 1989

Reviews

[Jennifer]

This was one of my text books for a class. I thought it did a great job outlining the family structure and gave insight to all of the subsystems involved. It did a great job in outlining the importance of family based interventions, and how the professional needed to be sure to address family concerns and not be dominant in the process.

My major upset of the text was the negative perception of those working with/for children with disabilities. The implication that "we" don't want to be bothered with their problems was disheartening. Society does still need to continue to adapt, but I think their approach was too harsh.

[Nikki]

Fantastic! Really a must read for those who work with exceptional children and their families. It opens your eyes to the challenges, heartbreak, and joys of raising and educating exceptional children.